Female Hair Transplant 

A hair transplant for women is a reliable and long-lasting solution for those experiencing alopecia or any form of permanent hair loss. An increasing number of women are choosing this procedure to regain their sense of beauty and enhance their confidence and self-esteem. By restoring their hair, they can significantly improve their overall self-image.

Here is the crucial information about hair transplants for women to help you understand how they work and if you're a suitable candidate.

Why Do Women Experience Hair Loss?

Hair loss in women is frequently linked to hormonal changes. While approximately 1 in 4 women may experience hair loss at some point in their lives, this figure rises to 1 in 2 women during menopause. A major contributor to this condition is DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a derivative of testosterone that can lead to hair thinning and loss.

Another prevalent cause of hair loss among women is iron deficiency, which can result in anemia. When the body lacks sufficient iron, it struggles to produce hemoglobin, a crucial protein that helps transport oxygen in the blood. Additionally, zinc deficiency can also contribute to hair loss, as it plays a role in various bodily functions, including protein synthesis and cell division.

Keratin, a vital protein for hair growth and repair, is also essential for maintaining healthy hair. Furthermore, ensuring adequate levels of specific vitamins is crucial for hair health, including: • Vitamin A

•   B vitamins (B3, B7/Biotin, B9/Folic Acid, B12)

•   Vitamin C

•   Vitamin D

•   Vitamin E

Lastly, maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels is important, as it supports cell growth and oxygen transport throughout the body, further promoting healthy hair.

Understanding Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

Androgenetic alopecia is a prevalent condition affecting women, particularly after the age of 40. This form of hair loss is hereditary in nature. It primarily manifests as gradual thinning of hair on the top of the scalp rather than complete baldness. The thinning is most noticeable at the crown and frontal areas, while the hairline at the front usually remains intact.

While there may be some hair loss in the temporal regions, it tends to be less pronounced compared to what men experience. Research indicates that about 13% of pre-menopausal women report experiencing symptoms of androgenetic alopecia. The prevalence significantly increases after menopause, with up to 75% of women affected by the time they reach 65 years old.

Additionally, poor dietary habits can lead to vitamin deficiencies, which may result in immune system issues. These deficiencies can further weaken hair and contribute to hair loss.

Classification of Female Hair Loss

Type 1

In the initial stage of hair loss, the level is relatively low. For most women, changes in the hairline are minimal, and the issue is often barely noticeable. Hair loss typically begins at the top of the head and in the frontal sections, with thinning occurring around the parting. Although bald spots may start to emerge, they are still not very prominent.

Type 2

At this stage, hair loss reaches a more moderate level. Women may experience thinning hair, a

reduction in volume, and an expanding area of hair loss. Depending on the severity of hair loss at this stage, a hair transplant might be a viable option.

Type 3

This stage is characterized by significant hair loss. The hair becomes so thin that the scalp becomes visible, and bald patches are clearly visible. Hair loss at this stage can worsen due to various factors, which are categorized into three types: miniaturization (where the hair retains a less healthy appearance), excessive thinning, and overall hair loss.

Is Hair Transplant an Option for Women? What is the Success Rate?

International studies indicate that the success rate of hair transplants in women tends to be lower than that of men. This discrepancy arises because, while the patterns of hair loss can be similar, the underlying causes and characteristics of female hair loss are quite different. As a result, women require a specialized approach for hair transplant procedures.

Generally, the success rate for hair transplants in women is reported to be quite high, often ranging from 80% to 90%. Key factors influencing this success include:

1.    Type of Hair Loss: Women with androgenetic alopecia ( female pattern hair loss) may respond differently compared to those with other types of hair loss, such as traction alopecia or hair loss due to medical conditions.

2.    Donor Hair Quality: The health and density of the donor hair (usually taken from the back or sides of the scalp) are critical for a successful transplant.

3.    Post-Operative Care: Following the surgeon's post-operative instructions diligently can significantly affect the outcome.

4.    Surgeon's Expertise: The experience and technique of the surgeon play a crucial role in the overall success of the transplant.

5.    Individual Health Factors: Overall health and specific medical conditions can also influence hair growth and healing after the procedure.

At Medicalaest we have a special team experienced in female hair transplant treatment.

What Is the Difference between Male vs. Female Hair Transplant?

Hair loss occurs differently in male and female. Men typically experience a receding hairline, thinning at the top of the head (the crown or vertex region), or both. That's male pattern hair loss (MPHL) or androgenetic alopecia in men.

On the other hand, women notice thinning hair at the part line or around the temples. We refer to it as female pattern hair loss (FPHL) or androgenetic alopecia in women. The difference from MPHL means women need fewer grafts when transplanting hair.

Unlike men, women rarely experience complete baldness. That makes female hair transplantation more manageable than its male counterpart.

However, women can experience diffuse hair thinning all over the head. That makes finding a donor area with healthy hair challenging.

Another difference between a female and male hair transplant is that the former requires only partial shaving (at the back of the head). Men can undergo a no-shave or partially unshaven hair transplant, but only some are suitable candidates.

Can You Identify Female Hair Transplant Results PostProcedure?

After a hair transplant, the crusts typically begin to shed within 10 days. Redness in the transplant area usually subsides within 30 to 40 days. For individuals with normal skin that isn't very light or thin, the signs of the hair transplant may be barely noticeable after just two weeks.

However, those with very fair skin may experience lingering redness in the transplanted area, which could last for up to 1 to 2 months.

Additionally, if the individual has hair longer than 6 to 7 cm, the donor area—where hair was extracted—will likely be concealed by the longer hair once the dressing is removed on day 3, making it less visible.

How is Female Hair Transplant Operated?

No-Shave Hair Transplant

A hair transplant procedure for women often utilizes DHI (Direct Hair Implantation), an innovative technique that eliminates the need for shaving or incisions. In this method, only a small section of 5 to 10 cm from the donor area is shaved for hair extraction.

The procedure includes the following stages:

•   Anesthesia: The procedure starts with administering local anesthesia for a pain-free treatment.

•   Graft harvesting:  A specialist makes tiny (less than 1 mm) round punches around follicular units in the donor area using a micro-motor surgical tool. Upon loosening the connective tissue, they extract healthy donor hair with forceps.

•   Direct hair implantation: The final stage involves placing the harvested hair follicles into a Choi pen's hollow needle and directly inserting them into the recipient area. That state-of-the-art tool has forceps for seamless hair transplantation without damaging the surrounding tissue.

The innovative DHI technique requires high precision but ensures minimal scalp trauma, fast recovery, and higher graft survival rates.